Women constitute half of the population, so it is important to understand their status through the ages. Women were respected in the early Vedic period, but their status deteriorated over time, especially after settlement in the Gangetic plain. During the British Raj, social reformers fought social evils such as sati, child marriage, female infanticide and the Devadasi system, and saw female education as the key to emancipation.
1. Ancient Period
- In the Indus civilisation, evidence shows worship of the mother goddess.
- In the Rig Vedic period, the position of the wife was honoured, especially in the performance of religious ceremonies.
- In the later Vedic age, women's social and political freedom was restricted; the patriarchal system became rigid and women were denied the study of Vedic scriptures.
- Sati became popular during the later Vedic period – widows chose, or were forced, to jump into their husbands' pyre.